Taking a trip to Tanzania? Need a Tanzania Packing List? Look no further. Here is the ultimate Tanzania packing list for your next adventure.
I mentioned in my post last week, Tanzania Travel-Everything you Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Tanzania, I’m currently planning a trip to Tanzania! I’m very excited to go on my next adventure but now make sure I pack everything I will need.
Traveling internationally requires a more careful packing routine than domestic travel. Why? Because once you are outside the US you may have a harder time finding specific brands or items you are used to having at home. Forget something and you may be S@#$ Out of Luck.
To make sure I don’t have to spend my trip to Tanzania searching stores for something or worse spending the time without something vital, I’m making an all-inclusive Tanzania Packing List.
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Notes on Packing Clothing/Accessories
The type of clothing you pack will depend on the time of year, the destinations, and the types of activities you will be doing in Tanzania. What I can tell you however is anyone you ask what clothes to pack they will say; comfortable, modest, drab colored anything.
The tsetse flies are not only annoying but can carry diseases so you want to avoid them at all costs. Other than bug spray, the best way to do this is to not wear black or dark blue clothing. They are attracted to these colors and they will find you.
Don’t go too far into the color wheel just yet. Bright colors and white will scare the animals if you are going on any game viewing drives. Sorry, you stuck with drab only.
Keep your clothing to colors like brown, tan, beige, light gray, olive green, maybe a dusty purple or light blue but nothing too bright.
Also, pack only modest clothing as showing too much skin (even bare shoulders and knees) is frowned upon.
On my Tanzania packing list are:
- T-shirts (mix of long and short-sleeved)
- Tank tops (for layering and to keep my lower-cut t-shirts more modest)
- Pants (mix of Capri and long length, remember to cover your knees)
- Bras (mix of regular bras and sports bras for the bumpier safari drives)
- Tattoo covers (i you have tattoos) This may not be necessary but I found mixed info on tattoos in Tanzania so I’m bringing some in case I need them. I’m going to try these HEGCOIIE UPF50+ sleeves I ordered from Amazon They mostly cover the tattoo I have and fit well. I hope they work well. I’ll let you know when I get home.
- Rain Coat (remember the color scheme)
- Socks (mix of short and tall)
- Hat – I’m not usually a fan of hats but do recognize the importance when traveling to sunny locations. I just ordered this Somaler Women’s Cotton Wide Brim Sun Hat. I’ll let you know what I think when receive it.
- Undies – enough for your entire trip since most places with laundry service will not wash any undergarments.
- Pajama’s
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Swimsuit Coverup – Since modesty is key in Tanzania, showing your bare shoulders or knees other than at the beach is not a good idea so bring a cover-up if you are going to the pool or beach.
- Hoodie or Light Jacket – Despite the fact Tanzania is just south of the equator, it can get chilly in the evenings and early mornings
- Sunglasses
Notes on Packing Toiletries
Making sure I pack all the toiletries I need for an international trip is very important! If you are traveling in the US and forget something it’s easy to run to Target or Walgreens to pick up a few things. It’s a lot harder in many other parts of the world.
Sure, you may still be able to find a convenience or grocery store but the brands will be different and it’s a lot harder to figure out what you are looking for when you are not fluent in the language. Besides, who wants to be in Tanzania looking for toothpaste when you could be out looking for wild elephants instead?
On my Tanzania packing list are:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray – I don’t like bug spray, I don’t like DEET but it’s needed in many places. While it still smells bad, I prefer insect-repellant wipes. If I’m going somewhere that needs higher DEET I order these Repel Insect Repellant Mosquito Wipes or if I need something with less DEET I order these OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito and Insect Repellent Wipes.
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Face Wash Clothes – Getting a makeup-removing face wash cloth will not only help reduce the amount of liquids you have to pack but when traveling to a country and locations with limited water, having something like The Original Makeup Eraser cloth is a must. I have them in several colors and use them all the time!
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Comb or Hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Lotion – I’m going to try a lotion bar this trip to reduce liquids and to see if I like it. I’ll report back on what I think.
- Shampoo and Conditioner – like the lotion bar, I’m also going to bring these Viori Shampoo and Conditioner bars. They are considered clean beauty and mean no extra liquids.
- Kleenex
- Hand Wipes
- Masks – not necessary for disease reasons but I have allergies and mild asthma, the dusty roads may cause me issues so I’m bringing some masks with me to see if they help.
- Hair Ties – A must for anyone with longer hair!
- Dry shampoo – since water is limited, I may need to reduce the frequency I shampoo.
- Makeup
- Lip Balm with SPF – always in my purse and in my suitcase. I love Sun Bum Lip Balm!
Notes on Packing Electronics
The biggest things to keep in mind when packing electronics for international travel are: need, safety, voltage, and plug type. I know I’m guilty of overpacking sometimes. Especially when I have what I think is extra room in my luggage. Since wifi will be limited there is no need for my iPad.
Electronic voltage in Tanzania is 220/240 which is different than the US. I’m finding more electronics are dual voltage and will work everywhere including cell phone chargers, cameras, computers, tablets, portable chargers, etc. Some things like hair dryers or electric razors are not dual voltage but some are so check before you go.
If you need to bring something that is not dual voltage you can buy a converter but you get what you pay for, the cheaper the converter the more likely it is to burn out. The one I used in Peru started to smoke and spark after about 4 uses. From now on I purposely buy travel-compatible electronics so I don’t need to worry.
Also, check the plug types!! Tanzania uses type D or G and Zanzibar uses type C or G. The US uses type A or B. Dual-voltage electronics don’t do any good if you can’t plug them in. You can buy plug adaptors to convert your plug type.
On my Tanzania packing list are:
- Cell Phone
- Phone Charger
- Camera
- Camera Charger
- Type D and G Plug Adaptors
- Hair Straightener
Notes on Packing Shoes
I LOVE MY SHOES!!! This is no secret to anyone who knows me. When I travel, however, I do my best to bring the minimum. The important thing to consider is what will you be doing on your trip. Most of my Tanzanian adventure will be in a Jeep driving through the Serengeti so I will not need a lot of options.
On my Tanzania packing list are:
- Tevas – I’ll need something sturdy to put on after our viewing drives and while in the villages.
- Flip Flops – for walking around the lodges and to the pool.
- Lightweight Hiking Shoes – I’ve had Merrell Moab Hiking Shoes forever and I love them!! They are sturdy but lightweight and they last forever. I prefer the shoes over the boots but if you are going to do some serious mountain climbing you may want the boots. These worked great hiking at Arches National Park in Utah and hiking in Colorado so they will be just fine for me in Tanzania.
Notes on Packing International Travel Must Haves
Most things in this post could be considered international travel must-haves but there are a few things that are truly deal breakers. Like you won’t even be allowed to leave the country without.
For more detailed information on the following, see my recent post-Tanzania Travel-Everything you Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Tanzania.
On my Tanzania packing list are:
- Visa print out
- Passport
- Photocopy of passport – in case the real thing goes missing
- Copy of credit cards, front and back – in case the real thing goes missing
- Vaccine Card – required if you need proof of Yellow Fever. I bring it with me just in case.
- Copy of flight itinerary, lodging address, and any other reservation information – you may not have cell phone or wifi access to pull this up electronically. Bring a paper copy and you don’t need to worry.
Notes on Packing General Travel Must Haves
These are all of the other misc. items I take with me when I travel, or things I know I will need that are specific to my Tanzania adventure.
On my Tanzania packing list are:
- Laundry soap – Tide makes these travel laundry soap sink packets perfect for hand washing a few things if needed. They are liquid but in small packets so should not take up too much space. Worried about liquids these KIND LAUNDRY – laundry sheets are good too. I know some of the lodges offer laundry service but I try not to use it unless it’s vital. And since laundry service in Tanzania will not include undergarments, I may need to do some handwashing.
- Electrolytes – I started packing electrolyte packets several years ago. They not only can help with jetlag but they also help when traveling to a warm climate with lots of sun. I can no longer find the Airborne with Electrolyte powder packets so I started using the Pedialyte Electrolyte powder packets instead. They don’t have the extra vitamins as the Airborne brand packets did but they work well and taste good. I use one every day while I’m gone.
- Journal – I love to keep notes about my travels not only so that when I get home I can remember what I did but also so I can decompress after a long day.
- Pen – needed for any customs and immigration paperwork you need to fill out and journal
- Binoculars
- Cash
- Credit Cards
- Water Bottle
- Duct Tape – in case something breaks
Notes on Packing Medications
Traveling with medications can be tricky even some over-the-counter medications can be banned in some countries. Don’t even try to bring Sudafed to many countries without checking.
If you have prescriptions or a medical need for an over-the-counter medication, make sure it is in the original packaging and any banned over-the-counter medications have a doctor’s note in the native language of the country you are going.
On my Tanzania packing list are:
- Dramamine – I tend to get motion sickness when in cars. Since I will spend most of the trip on minimum-maintenance roads I’m worried I may get car sick so I’m bringing plenty of Dramamine with me. I find the less drowsy works fine for me so I will stay awake!
- Malaria Prescription
- Travelers Diarrhea Prescription – If you stay away from water, ice, and any uncooked fruit or vegetables you may not need this. I however have done my best to not eat or drink things I shouldn’t but still have found myself with traveler’s diarrhea so my travel doctor gives me a prescription as a precaution.
- First Aid Kit – This is a basic supply of band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic wipes, etc.
- Ibuprofen – I don’t normally need ibuprofen but I always pack it in case it’s needed.
- Imodium – The traveler’s diarrhea prescription actually kills the bacteria, it does not help with symptoms. Imodium does!
Note on Suitcases When Traveling Internationally
Luggage requirements are not the same across the world. What may be considered a carry-on size in the US will need to be checked luggage in other countries. Check your airline requirements and if you are doing any traveling with a guide check with them as well.
For my trip to Tanzania, I can only use a duffel bag (part of my trip is a tented safari lodge and the transportation has luggage requirements) no more than 44 pounds and can’t be any more than 62 linear inches.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing when making a packing list is to pack what makes you comfortable. Forget about what you see on Instagram or TikTok. Most of those people pack fancy closes for one picture or video and then change into comfortable clothes. Be yourself!
Happy travels and remember the world is full of adventures all around you.
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